EDITOR’S LETTER
T
his semester, thanks to some help
beacons of light, with a tangible stake in the
from the record shattering movie
future. Love them like T’Challa loved Shuri.
Black Panther, my staff and I were
They are our brothers and sisters building
inspired to dig deep into our souls, dreams,
the tools we need to succeed as a race, while
& nightmares to re-imagine a future for
paving the way for mankind to grow.
Black people. We immersed ourselves in the
Everything that is in this magazine is here
cultural genre of afrofuturism and attempted
because it lends another vision of the future
to find answers for the future, in the past. So,
to the conversation. We have looked back
we wiped the slate clean of the imperialism,
long enough. It is time to put those dreams to
greed, & corruption that shifted our historical
the test and face the future.
trajectory and paved a new path. As we JAMILAH STITH Editor-in-Chief
followed this new road, we discovered that our people have already set out on a path to greatness. Our STEM students are inspiring
E G O S TA F F EGO SPRING 2018 STAFF Julian Alvarez - Managing Editor Rocelyn Hamilton - Photo Editor Jacqueline Morgan - Copy Editor Dejohn Richardson Bria Gremillion Danni Hall Shomari Moore Kyndall Jones Don Green Najeri Evans Jaci Combre Skyler Franklin Laniya Spencer Harold Millican (Contributing Writer)
Southern University Office of Student Media Professional Staff Director of Student Media Heather Freeman Director of Sales/Advertising Camelia Jackson Publications/Graphics Manager Jermaine Proshee EGO MAGAZINE 2
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
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DISCLAIMER The EGO Magazine is the official student magazine of Southern University and A&M College, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It is written, edited and published by members of Southern University A&M College student body. The EGO Magazine is a publication of the Office of Student Media, a Division of Student Affairs. Our office is located in T.H. Harris Hall, Suites 1064 & 1062. Articles, photographs, and graphics are property of EGO Magazine and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without written permission of the Editor-In-Chief and the Director of Student Media. Articles, features, opinions, speak-outs, and editorials do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration, editors, staff, or student body. Southern University and A&M College at Baton Rouge is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, (404) 679-4500, www.saccscoc.org Copyright Southern University Office of Student Media, 2018.
EGO MAGAZINE
3
DeJohn Richardson EGO Staff Writer
L
et’s
talk
minute! African
culture
for
Celebrating American
a
Sun Ra, a jazz artist from Alabama.
our
His use of storytelling, galactic
heritage
themes,
and
ancient
Egyptian
is usually through exploring the
elements with his band The Arkestra
historical roots. However, in the
influenced artists like Jimi Hendrix
age of technology we can discover
and bands like Earth, Wind & Fire
more about art, music, religion,
in the 1970s. Their album covers,
and ourselves than ever before.
performances, and music videos
For centuries, Black people have
like Boogie Wonderland (1979) later
been confined to the same forms of
influenced artists like Prince and
expression. Now, we are celebrated
Michael Jackson in the 1980s. The
in books, musicals, plays, magazines,
end of their era guided afrofuturism
television shows, movies, and more.
into hip-hop and R&B. A Tribe Called
Everywhere you look, our culture
Quest dropped People’s Instinctive
has prominence! We are the wave
Travels and the Paths of Rhythm in
that drives the culture forward. It’s
1990, The Low End Theory in 1991 and
important that we learn our history
Midnight Marauders in 1993. These
and cultivate our presence in a way
three
that supports our eccentricity.
sounds and intense Afrocentricity
albums
brought
futuristic
In science fiction, we have broken
which ended up translating over
through the roof, been to the moon,
into albums like Wu-Tang’s Triumph
and come back to the planet Earth as
(1997)
evolved beings. In other genres, we
(1998). In the current era of hip-hop,
represent life in other galaxies with
artists like Kanye West are pushing
the ability to wield a higher form of
his ideas of the future in videos like
power. But afrofuturism is not just
Touch The Sky (2005) and Runaway
books about Black people living on
(2011).
the moon. The idea of a liberated
and SZA released a video for All The
future is not confined to a genre or an
Stars (2018) that showcases fresh
art form. Let’s go on a sonic journey!
afrofuturistic visuals and serves as
The first mentions of afrofuturism
a sign that Sun Ra’s influence on
in music came in the 1950s from
afrofuturism is alive and prospering.
EGO MAGAZINE 4
and
OutKast’s
Aquemini
Recently, Kendrick Lamar
Maybe you aren’t a musichead.
to write TV shows that extends the
It is another tool of resistance as we
Afrofuturism also travels through
range of strong, Black characters like
continue to use music, religion, media,
art, film, and fashion! John Michel
Annalise Keating from “How To Get
and economic power as an advantage
Basquiat’s
are
Away With Murder” and the Bordelon
to overcome in a world designed to
regarded as afrofuturistic because of
siblings from “Queen Sugar”. Similar
detain us from equality and freedom.
his consistent reimagination of Black
to the Harlem Renaissance, Black
It is important to understand that
people mixed with cyberpunk imagery.
people are finding new, creative ways
it’s all about pushing #TheCulture
Spike Lee and Issa Rae showcase the
to express themselves.
forward to help empower the next
famous
portraits
wide variety of Black experiences and
Afrofuturistic
relationships in their films. Movies
because
and TV shows like “She’s Gotta Have
commentary
it
art
often and
is
powerful
features truthful
generation through artistic expression
social
and education, to dream bigger, and to
themes
explore a deeper meaning of existence
It” or “Insecure” serve as examples
related to the plight of the African
within themselves!
of media that introduces narratives
American experience in all aspects
After all, “We don’t just shine, we
of Black lives that the world hasn’t
of life including poverty, slavery,
illuminate the whole show!” – Shawn
seen before. Ava DuVernay continues
urban violence, and cultural identity.
“Jay-Z” Carter.
EGO MAGAZINE
5
In · no ·va · tion
As the only artist- owned subscription based streaming service in the world, Tidal not only stands apart from its competitors such as Apple Music, Spotify or Pandora, but also provides access to exclusive music content that can not be found anywhere else.
EGO MAGAZINE 6
The United States Patent Office issued a patent in March 1883 to Jan Matzeliger for his “Lasting Machine.” It become an instant success. His patent of the shoe lasting machine made footwear more affordable, as the machine was able to produce up to 700 pairs of shoes on a daily basis, compared to a mere 50 pairs that the handlasters or skilled laborers were able to create during a 10-hour work day.
JAN MATZELIGER
T
he Brooklyn bred rapper turned entrepreneur, with a net worth at closely $610 million dollars, purchased Tidal back in 2015 from its Swedish based parent company, Aspiro.
SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA
A
t the time, no machine existed that could attach the upper part of a shoe to its sole; it had to be done by hand.
SHAWN CARTER
SOURCE: GQ.COM
Innovation can be defined simply as a “new idea, device or method”.[1] However, innovation is often also viewed as the application of better solutions that meet new requirements, unarticulated needs, or existing market needs.[2] This is accomplished through more-effective products, processes, services, technologies, or business models that are readily available to markets, governments and society. The term “innovation” can be defined as something original and more effective and, as a consequence, new, that “breaks into” the market or society.
In·no·va·tion in-uh -vey-shun:
Bria Gremillion EGO Staff Writer
SOURCE: BIOGRAPHY.COM
B
orn in Detroit, Michigan in 1929, Berry Gordy Jr. founded Motown Records; the most successful black owned music company in the history of the United States.
SOURCE: VULTURE.COM
R
himes is the first African-American woman to create and executive-produce a top 10 primetime television series with ABC’s veteran series, Grey’s Anatomy.
She is also the mastermind of its spinoff, Private Practice, the political suspense sitcom and highly anticipated Motown Records gave Scandal and the legal birth to some of the most drama, How to Get Away successful artists during With Murder. Her next the 60’s and 70’s like the scripted series, For the Supremes, the Temptations, People is set to premiere Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder on ABC sometime this and Marvin Gaye. spring.
SHANDA RHIMES
By 1910, the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company had become increasingly popular, allowing her to relocate to Indianapolis where she not only manufactured cosmetics, but also trained sales beauticians. The profits of her businesses in those times totaled to multiple millions, even in today’s currency.
SOURCE: WALTER P. REUTHER LIBRARY
In 1908, after traveling the country giving hair care tips and products to black women, Walker opened a factory and a beauty school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
BARRY GORDY
CAHTY HUGHES
In 2016, Radio One Inc. became the only AfricanAmerican media company in the country to own 100-percent, majority interest in a cable television network.
Madam Walker created a line of African-American hair care products back in 1905, after suffering from a scalp disorder that caused her hair to fall out.
MADAM CJ WALKER
SOURCE: CATHYHUGHES.COM
C
athy Hughes is the first African American female to start her own TV network. As Founder and Chairperson of Radio One, Inc., the largest African-American owned and operated, broadcast company in the nation with its headquarters in Washington D.C., Radio One has 53 radio stations in 16 different urban markets.
M
any would call her one of America’s first female self made millionaires.
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Danni Hall EGO Staff Writer Photos: Jaci Combre
EGO MAGAZINE 8
Ladies Q&A
1
Name: Michelle Harris Major: Computer Science Classification: Junior Hometown: Memphis, TN
Q: Why did you choose your particular major? A: I chose Computer Science because I had an internship going into my freshman year of college and I fell in love with computers and technology. I admire how technology is always evolving. I felt like it would be a great major to thrive in. Q: Have you faced any challenges as you pursue your degree? A: Definitely. Classes are not easy. There are certain things we have to do, like coding, which requires a lot of patience and time. The advanced math and science classes are not easy as well. But overall, those challenges motivate me to push harder and pass those classes. Q: If you could start from the beginning, would you take a different academic path or are you satisfied with the route you have followed?
numerous internship opportunities. I feel very pleased with my major. I wouldn’t choose a different career path because I feel that this will be the path to lead me to success after I graduate. Q: Do you participate in any extracurricular activities? Have you received any awards? A: Yes, I have received two Computer Science Departmental scholarships and a Computer Science Departmental Honors Award. Q: What do you desire to do postgraduation? A: I see myself as a Project Manager in Information Technology (IT) or Programming. Pretty much anything that deals with connecting business and IT.
A: I’m definitely satisfied with the route I’ve followed. Computer Science has opened a lot of doors for me and
EGO MAGAZINE 9
2
Name: Britney Douzier . Major: Mechanical Engineering Classification: Senior . Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Q: Why did you choose your particular major? A: I chose engineering because I have always had an interest in creating and building. When I was in high school, my school told me I could either join the Art Club or the Robotics Club, and I chose Robotics. Shortly after, I was being enrolled in Physics class and discovered I had a passion for it. So why not engineering? Q: Have you faced any challenges as you pursue your degree? A: One thing I will say is that as a female, you’re either loved or you’re challenged harder than the opposite sex in this field. Quite often, when people ask me about my major and I tell them Mechanical Engineering, they automatically say, “Oh you don’t look like an engineering major.” Women face a lot of problems of what they look like in this department and how we wear our hair but it’s a challenge that we have to overcome. Also, more on the classwork side, I will say that one day I was working on a project for about 3 weeks and it was our final project. I practiced the demonstration numerous times before I left my house, and everything worked perfectly. Once I got inside of the classroom the project didn’t work how it did just a few hours ago. I didn’t do my trial and errors correctly. Basically, I was embarrassed in
EGO MAGAZINE 10
front of my professor, but I had an idea on why everything went wrong but ever since then I haven’t faced a challenge as significant as that one. Q: If you could start from the beginning, would you take a different academic path or are you satisfied with the route you have followed? A: I think that the route I’m taking right now is perfect for me with my interest in remodeling and redesigning everything that society has already invented. I can only go further from here. Q: Do you participate in any extracurricular activities? Have you received any awards? A: Yes, I am in The National Society of Black Engineers and I am the Programs chair for the chapter. I have not received any awards yet, but they are coming. Q: What do you desire to do postgraduation? A: After graduating undergrad, I want to go to graduate school and study AeroEngineering and pursue my dream: designing aircrafts. I want to help create better speed rate and technology for aircrafts. People always say in the future we’ll have flying cars. Why can’t I be the one to make those?
3
Name: Ashley Lewis Major: Electrical Engineering Classification: Junior Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Q: Why did you choose your particular major? A: Well I like to tinker with stuff and I like electricity. Initially, I wanted to be a Biomedical Engineer. In Biomedicine you learn mechanical and electrical, but I didn’t want to suffer through both, so I chose electrical. Q: Have you faced any challenges as you pursue your degree? A: My challenge is being an African American female in a male dominated curriculum. It’s hard getting my voice heard when I have an opinion about something or when I have an idea. People tend to be dismissive because I am a female. We often get challenged harder when it comes to the intellectual area because most men assume that women don’t like math and science or we’re not good in those subjects. It’s more of a stigma versus actually understanding that women can do these things. Not to mention the sexism in this field due to it being male dominated. People have told me I should be going into the sales director career of engineering because I’m a female and would have better luck at selling technology rather than building it. Overall, it can be a burden sometimes, but it won’t stop me from prospering in this field.
A: I am highly satisfied with my academic path. I would not take a different route, but I would ensure that I passed all my classes on time if it was another go around. Q: Do you participate in any extracurricular activities? Have you received any awards? A: I am the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) president for the 2018-2019 school year. I won the Biz-Tech Challenge given by Ellie Nexus and it was a $10,000 award for the Best Advanced Manufacturing. I was rewarded with a $3,000 scholarship from South by Southwest Opportunity Hub. I also have a company that I am CTO (Chief Technology Officer) of. Q: What do you desire to do postgraduation? A: After graduation, I want to work towards my PhD. I want to get the company that we started off the ground and I hope to work in design and electronics.
Q: If you could start from the beginning, would you take a different academic path or are you satisfied with the route you have followed?
EGO MAGAZINE 11
“I’m LEGIT!”
Shomari Moore EGO Staff Writer
I
f someone told you that the smartest person in the world was a 9-year-old, would you believe them? In the Marvel Universe, not everything meets the eye. This time, she literally does not meet your eye. Meet Lunella Lafayette, a 3-foot-9, 4th grader from Manhattan who was the first person to finish the B.O.X. otherwise known as the Banner Brain Omnicompetence Examiner. This device was created by Bruce Banner, popularly referred to as The Hulk, to test intellectual aptitude and up until Lunella, no one had ever completed it. Being that she was the only one to complete the test, she surpassed all of Marvel’s geniuses; Tony Stark aka Iron Man, Richard Reed aka Mr. Fantastic and T’Challa aka Black Panther. No wonder she can “space out” and daydream of new inventions while at her Manhattan public school, earning her the name Moon Girl. Beyond being the smartest person in the Marvel Universe, the 9-yearold has an interesting sidekick: a pet Tyrannosaurus Rex named Devil Dinosaur. After finding him caged up, Moon Girl liberated and
EGO MAGAZINE 12
befriended the huge creature. Their level of connection is tested when Lunella realizes that she can switch bodies with Devil Dinosaur, especially when she’s angry or hungry. However, she also has to keep Devil Dinosaur away from the Kree, a militaristic alien race with unfriendly plans for her beloved sidekick. Besides her prehistoric friend, she does possess powers like most people in the Marvel Universe. Now unlike most heroes, she didn’t get her powers from a spider bite, or from a mass exposure to gamma radiation. Her distinct power is her intelligence, which she uses to her advantage by hand making
her own weapons and battle armor. Lunella also possesses the ability to switch consciousness with Devil Dinosaur and still communicate effectively. Later, she will discover that she also has Inhuman genes when she discovers improved strength during a full moon. She is a part of a long heritage of a Inhumans which is a race of humans that were abducted by the Kree and were experimented on which gave them their new found powers. The rest of her powers are still being discovered as she grows older everyday. In this new age of black superheroes in the Marvel Universe like Iron Maiden, War Machine, Black Panther, Luke Cage, and Storm, Moon Girl is by far the best of them all.
Real Name: Lunella Louise Lafayette Current Alias: That Crazy 4th Grader Gender: Female Height: 3’ 9” Weight: 48 lbs (22 kg) Eyes: Brown Hair: Black
“I’ve got the Gene you know!” She is the smartest person in the universe, she has a T-Rex as a pet, superpowers, and she’s Black. Her comics could inspire young Black girls to go into STEM fields and extend past their current horizons. For now, Moon Girl will stay in the shadows but soon she will be the recognized for the Black girl genius magic she is.
EGO MAGAZINE 13
BLERD TALK Julian Alvarez EGO Managing Editor
Do you see those Black nerdy people? They are the ones sitting alone, the ones people always scream at, the one that will answer in a silent, sort of anxious tone. The tone that says “I am too busy to entertain you, but prey do not have choices so what can I do.” Those are the Black nerds, Blerds for short. You’re thinking: what a bunch of losers, they have no power, they won’t survive in this school. Well, you’re right to say all those things. They have no power in the school, they are a bunch of losers in the school, and they will stay at the bottom of the social ladder in that school. But great things come to those who wait. On one hand there’s you, planning to break the Blerd down to improve your temporary status, while the Blerd is studying and preparing for the brutal world because he knows life goes on after school. Blerds aren’t comfortable just living in this world. They become comfortable when they leave an impact that can not be forgotten. While you go to the mall with your friends and buy into every fad to look cool, when you get to school those Blerds have their noses in a book. That book is the same as a mall to the Blerd. They spend something more expensive than money: time. You can spend $10,000 dollars on your new car for your entourage to enjoy, but that is just money. You can get that money back.The Blerds are spending 10,000 hours perfecting their craft and they can’t get those hours of their life back. Time is like an hourglass, everyone’s grains of sand varies. However, once a grain hits the bottom, the hourglass can not be flipped. The Blerd uses 10,000 of his grains on skill and the rest on changing the world. It is a steep price, but time is a currency that gives back. White America is going to be extinct just like King predicted at Washington. Every face on the billboard won’t be a White one. Every lawyer with a commercial won’t have straight hair and lack melanin. Black entertainment will be for us by us. When you see a Blerd, call them a loser while you can because that privilege won’t last. Diamonds are made by pressure and when the diamond is made, it is hard to break. Keep being the pressure that makes the diamond because it will not last for long. Pain is not temporary, for success is the product of pain. As long as it is not death, the Blerds can always bounce back. Overcoming adversity is never easy because it can make or break you. Blerds will always come out on top and look back on the pain to shape all future decisions. There is always a choice. No one is born smart. No one is born stupid. You become what you set out to be and Blerds are the ones that will choose to be smart. Again I am saying, pressure makes the diamond. Pressure is a tool that few will pay for, but all the money goes to the diamond. The diamonds compete to be the most lustrous they can be, and shine so bright that people in other galaxies will go blind. So Mr. Bully, do you want to continue being the pressure or do you want to become the diamond?
Best, Your friendly neighborhood Blerd
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EGO MAGAZINE 15
Jaguars in Motion
Southern University students attend Southern Conference On African American (SCAASI) Kyndall Jones EGO Staff Writer
The Southern Conference on African American Studies, Inc. (SCAASI) is a conference that is held in the south, focusing on preserving African American history and culture in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). The first convening was held at Texas Southern University in 1979. This year’s conference was held on February 8-10, 2018 in Jackson, Mississippi and it had a theme of “Violence on Black Bodies in the Diaspora.” Throughout the conference, there were various panels and interactive sessions, including some collaboration with Tougaloo College and Jackson State University. 2018 Executive Secretary and Director, Dr. Tonya Thames Taylor hosted and held a few of these sessions herself. In one session she showed “I Am Not Your Negro”, a James Baldwin film which showcased his life and legacy as a writer, activist, novelist, and social critic. After the film, an open discussion was held pertaining this question: “Why does America still need the n*gger?” Various points were made, stating that America was built upon blood and racism EGO MAGAZINE 16
Ebony Lumumba, wife of the mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, poses for a quick photo with a group of Southern University students during the 2018 SCAASI conference.
this year’s theme. From both teams, the essays touched on police brutality and consistent incidents of racism throughout the years. From Emmett Till to Eric Garner, both teams thoroughly presented their information clearly and precisely with factual evidence of these historical atrocities. Joy spoke on the murder of Aiyana Stanley-Jones, a seven year old child shot and killed while sleeping on her grandmother’s couch during a police raid. She elaborated, stating that her murder was an act of systematic racism, due to the area where she lived there was a high minority population in turn, there was an influx in police officers for the area. Jordan Victorian a Junior Secondary History Education major and Aislinn Wheeler a Senior History major, led presentations focusing on systematic racism and the history of tribes around Africa. Joy Antoine, Jonathon Banks a Junior Mechanical Engineering major, James Nettles a Freshman Biology major, and Jamilah Stith, a Junior Secondary English Education major, demonstrated the proceedings for the Black History Quiz Bowl competition as no other team showed up in attendance for this competition. Stephanie Jackson, a Sophomore Chemistry major, read a poem at the annual banquet speaking on police brutality and racism.
SCAASI
therefore, America must always have a conflict to survive. It was also decided that in some way or another, racism is prevalent in other countries around the world, whether it be colorism, sexism, or spectranism, even through things as simple as a holiday. Ebony Lumumba was this year’s keynote speaker. She is the wife of the mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, Mr. Chokwe Antar Lumumba. Mrs. Lumumba spoke on the ongoing violence that Black people endure, especially in the South, at the hands of police officers. She spoke briefly about how building community could have the ability to help curb police brutality and other attacks on Black people. When she ended her speech, she was awarded with a full sized, original painting from a local Mississippian folk artist. Her eloquent speech led the inspired students into the following academic competitions: The Reanitsa K. Butler Memorial Scholarship Essay Contest, the Hornsby Quiz Bowl, and the Slade Poetry Contest. The student participation from Southern University was astounding. Students Joy Antoine, a Senior History major and Kyndall Jones a freshman Agriculture major, participated in the Essay Competition at the conference against Tougaloo College with a panel of judges. This competition consisted of two teams, with essays centered around
EGO MAGAZINE 17
15
WHAT PERIODICAL
14
WHO BECAME THE FIRST
13
WHO WROTE NARRATIVE
WAS THE FIRST BLACK
AFRICAN AMERICAN
OF THE LIFE OF FREDERICK
NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED IN
FEMALE BILLIONAIRE IN
DOUGLASS, AN AMERICAN
THE UNITED STATES?
2004?
SLAVE IN 1845?
12
16
WHAT TERM REFERS GENERALLY TO THE ARTISTIC
WHAT POPULAR MAGAZINE DID JOHN H. JOHNSON
AND SOCIO-CULTURAL
BEGIN IN 1945?
AWAKENING AMONG BLACK PEOPLE IN THE 1920S AND EARLY 1930S?
17
IN 1991, WHAT BECAME THE FIRST BLACK-CONTROLLED COMPANY TO BE LISTED ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE?
TEST YOUR
KNOWLEDGE OF
BLACK HISTORY
18
WHAT BLACK AMERICAN WOMAN USED THE TRIAL AND ERROR METHOD TO INVENT HAIR CARE PRODUCTS IN 1905?
1
KNOWN FOR HIS SOCIAL AND
WHO WAS THE FIRST BLACK
POLITICAL VIEWS, WHO PUB-
AMERICAN WOMAN CHOSEN
LISHED THE SOULS OF BLACK
AS MISS AMERICA?
FOLKS IN 1903?
START HERE EGO MAGAZINE 18
2
11
WHAT FAMOUS BLACK AUTHOR
10
9
WHO WAS THE AUTHOR OF
SHE IS ALSO A POET WHO
SAID, “BLACK WRITERS DO MORE
THE HIT PLAY A RAISIN IN
DELIVERED HER POEM “ON
THAN MERELY EXHIBIT RAGE
THE SUN ?
THE PULSE OF MORNING” AT
– THEY MUST ANALYZE THE
PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON’S
ROOTS OF RACIAL OPPRESSION?”
INAUGURATION IN 1993?
8
WHAT MEDIUM DID GORDON PARKS USE TO DESCRIBE BLACK AMERICANS DEPRIVATION AND RACIAL DISCRIMINATION?
7
Don Green EGO Staff Writer
WHAT MUSIC IS REGARDED BY MANY AS A FORM OF STREET POETRY?
6
KUNTA KINTE WAS ONE THE CHARACTERS IN WHAT ALEX HALEY BOOK?
3
WHO WROTE “THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD” ?
4
WHO IS THE AUTHOR OF THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED NOVEL WAITING TO EXHALE?
5
THIS DIRECTOR, SCREENWRITER AND ACTOR ESTABLISHED “40 ACRES AND A MULE FILMWORKS”. HIS FILMS CONTINUE TO BE CONTROVERSIAL AND PUSH RACIAL BOUNDARIES.
SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 21
EGO MAGAZINE 19
EGO MAGAZINE 20
ANSWERS 1. W.E.B. DU BOIS 2. VANESSA WILLIAMS 3. ZORA NEALE HURSTON 4. TERRY MCMILLAN 5. SPIKE LEE 6. ROOTS 7. RAP 8. PHOTOGRAPHY 9. MAYA ANGELOU 10. LORRAINE HANSBERRY 11. JAMES BALDWIN 12. HARLEM RENAISSANCE 13. FREDERICK DOUGLASS 14. OPRAH WINFREY 15. FREEDOM’S JOURNAL 16. EBONY 17. BET 18. MADAM C.J. WALKER
EGO MAGAZINE 21
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In 3029, flying cars, robot citizenship, holograms, and intergalactic communication are a part of today’s culture. So you can imagine my surprise when my mad scientist cousin, Zadar, sent us flying into the past. As a galaxy girl, I didn’t take kindly to trading in my portable home and self-flying car for last century’s so-called luxury life. This is how it happened.
In my time period, waking up for morning mantra and meditation on
Mars is my saving grace. This particular day was different. Zadar sent a hologram with specific instructions, “Meet me asap, we have to leave. There is something hidden in yesterday that will solve tomorrow.” The message was odd to me, but the unexpected is always expected with Zadar. It was then I should’ve known. Fast forward 10 hours later, I’m trapped in a time machine with Zadar! He tricked me into traveling into the past in an effort to solve the mystery of our ancestors. Legend has it, 300 years ago, in an effort to unify the human race, all knowledge before the year 2500 has been completely erased from life as we know it.
Now I’m trapped in a small space unit with my crazy cousin,
shooting through a black hole to return to the year 2499. The thing I miss the most on my trip is the music. Every Saturday, TLC holograms performed the “No Scrubs” video at my bedside. Now, maybe with the time travel machine I can live through it.
Back home, we have underground auctions for the escaped robots,
but I wonder here, in the past, do they do that? I remember hearing of an older artist, Janelle Monae, she did a video exposing underground auctions in her music before it was public, but no one believed her. It took us 29 long days on auto when we reached the year 2499. We were
EGO MAGAZINE 24
nervous to exit the capsule, and for good reason, when we finally stepped out, Zadar and I both panicked. The smell of pollution went rampant in the air and my antennas were buggin’! Man! I’d never smelled a place so stank in my life! The
pollution AND the smell almost killed us! Zadar was beyond ready to start
exploring this “old world”. He immediately wanted to head inside a nearby store called a “CD” store. I had never heard of something like that in my life! Zadar headed toward these “CD’s,” and I stayed close by to try and gather information from other people. I was unfamiliar with the language they spoke, but luckily my antennas were able to decipher parts of their speech. Before I was able to ask the outsiders any questions, Zadar was in a panic to leave. Inside the store, his antennas helped him browse through 300 years worth of music!
When we finally returned to the space unit, he told me of his findings.
Centuries ago, people were divided by color. Apparently, the white people stole the black people away from their homeland and exploited, manipulated, and dehumanized them for centuries. Eventually, the tension created a race war, and to fix the damage, a genocide was started on the human race. The most elite humans were reserved, and created the world as Zadar and I were familiar with. Cyborgs and robots were the creation of the elitists, and a hierarchy was developed to create an illusion of world order.
The something hidden in yesterday that will solve tomorrow is history. The
history that was erased, prevented the citizens of my time from knowing what has happened, and will happen again. Zadar and I were full of rage, but even more full of passion. Our eyes met and our antennas locked, we knew what we had to do. “Last one to the space unit is a rotten freezer dried egg!”
EGO MAGAZINE 25
EGO MAGAZINE 26
If
PEOPLE MINDED THEIR OWN
DAMN BUSINESS
Najeri Evans EGO Staff Writer
One shift in the past, and the world
had his ice cream tattoo and lil Terio
never would’ve went to jail, and OJ’s
as we know it would be a different
teaches a dance class. A beautiful
wife would still be alive. A world where
place… Somewhere in an alternate
place, where water is free, trees don’t
the only Christopher we acknowledge
universe, people of all shades would
die just to make paper, and zoos were
is Wallace, Brooklyn hasn’t been
coexist peacefully.
museums of animal photos.
gentrified, and bestiality isn’t legal in
A world where Columbus never
The
land
of
milk
and
honey,
14 states.
sailed the blue seas of imperialism,
decorated
unthreatened
Where Swag Surf could replace the
and Reagan didn’t push crack through
creatures, nonsexualized people in the
national anthem, Walk it Out is played
black communities. Like the world is
nude, and unridden with the smell of
at graduation ceremonies, and no one
ours, “Imagine smoking weed in the
chemicals in the air. A place unfazed
knew T-pain used autotune.
streets without cops harassing.” Where
by judgment, where people travel
If white people could mind their own
the cookout is everyday, European
freely, natives outnumber whites in
damn business, they could learn quite
beauty standards only exist in Europe,
America, and Nazi’s are a German
a bit! De’arra could teach Sally how to
and Colonel Sanders is nonexistent.
bagel.
season Chicken, Guadalupe may teach
with
Martin Luther King Jr was an author,
A place only existent if white people
Jonathan how to salsa, hell Ricky
Malcolm X worked the graveyard shift
minded their own damn business. If
may even help Jessica with her math
and Rosa Parks ran a daycare.
white people minded their own damn
homework! They would learn to walk
business, Al Gore wouldn’t have been
away from danger instead of towards
without
cheated out of a presidency, the Twin
it, not to talk shit if they don’t wanna
ridicule and the American Dream was
towers would still be standing, and
get hit, and that kissing dogs on the
a movie sold at Walmart. Where black
Texas is a Mexican territory. So much
mouth is not okay.
people are not only of the majority in
would be different if the pale faced
Most importantly, if white people
Africa, Vietnam was never a warzone,
race would stop dippin’ in the kool aid
could mind their own damn business,
and Muslims were safe in France.
when they don’t know the flavor.
they would know not to touch things
A great land where white picket fence
communities
went
A so called utopia of Utopia’s, where
If white people minded their own
Soulja Boy could really kiss his fans
damn business, Jay Z wouldn’t have
through the phone, Gucci Mane still
cheated on Beyonce with Becky, Tupac
that are not theirs, for example, people.
EGO MAGAZINE 27
Shomari Moore EGO Staff Writer
Black Panther Review
A
cross the planet on February
starts off strong as young prince
be revolutionary. The depth and range
16, 2018, Marvel fans’ hearts
T’Challa returns to his home country of
of the numerous strong, intelligent,
raced when their favorite
Wakanda to be crowned king after the
trustworthy, Black female characters is
superhero, created in 1966, leaped off
passing of his father, King T’Chaka in
incredible. However, some critics claim
the pages of a comic book and onto
Captain America: Civil War. Everything
that Black Panther was not everything
the big screen. They were going to see
is harmonious until the newly crowned
it could have been because of its lack of
Black Panther, one of the most widely
king is challenged by an intense
LGBTQ+ representation.
anticipated movies of Black History
contender with an interesting, twisted
This is because across the series of
Month. Southern students described
backstory. It’s all up to T’Challa to set
Black Panther comics two members
the movie as “the best Black movie
things right and restore the balance of
of the Dora Milaje warrior clan were
of the year”. The expectancy makes
power.
in a romantic relationship, although
sense because seeing this movie is
Socially,
Black Panther of
they were not revealed in the movie.
black
Despite the missed opportunity, Black
an experience like no other. Now, as
excellent
the top rated movie of the year, Black
ingenuity and showing how community
Panther’s
Panther is a perfect example of what
can come together to affect change. One
dynamic prototypes of the potential of
Black excellence looks like. The movie
word to describe Black Panther would
Black people. Children and adults alike
EGO MAGAZINE 28
representation
was an
powerful
cast
portrayed
are excited to see a superhero movie where the heroes look like them.
Black
Panther’s
cast
is
full
of
exceptional stars. T’Challa is played by Chadwick Boseman, his archenemy
strong foundation to build upon.
Marvel has made a movie out of but,
This film, along with other Marvel
also is the top selling movie that they
films, lead up to the culminating
ever put out since the Avengers. Black
Avengers movie: Infinity War.
Panther has grossed over $1 billion
In
the
trailer,
is
the
thousands
of
worldwide, breaking several records at
Erik Killmonger is played by Michael
battlefield
B. Jordan, his younger sister and
Wakandans and the Avengers take
With a magnetic plot, a gorgeous cast,
technological genius Shuri played by
their stand for humanity against
and stunning visuals, Black Panther
Letitia Wright, Wakandan spy and his
Thanos who plans to rid the world of
has sunk its claws deep into the box
love interest Nakia performed by Lupita
humanity and start over. With Black
office and into the hearts of millions.
Nyong’o, and his Dora Milaje general
Panther, the Dora Milaje, and all of
Wakanda Forever!
Okoye was played Danai Gurira. Forest
Wakanda, Thanos has a good fight on
*Make sure to stay and wait for the
Whitaker,
Daniel
his hands. For almost 20 years now,
famous Marvel previews AFTER the
Kaluuya, Winston Duke and other
Marvel has made comics into live
post credits.
amazing actors and actresses filled
action movies, but the Black Panther is
the rest of the cast, giving the movie a
not only the first black superhero that
Angela
Bassett,
where
Wakanda
the same time.
EGO MAGAZINE 29
Skyler Franklin EGO Staff Writer/Photographer EGO MAGAZINE 30
EGO MAGAZINE 31
LEVI BROWN
MAJOR: COMPUTER SCIENCE CLASSIFICATION: SENIOR HOMETOWN: SHREVEPORT, LA AGE: 21
EGO MAGAZINE 32
Why did you choose your major? Q. I chose my major while I was at Southern University in Shreveport. I was introduced to the major through a summer STEM program where we completed research experience. Originally, I wanted to be a sports physician. But I didn’t like having to retain the information and it wasn’t something I actually liked. So, I ended up changing to computer science because I always been interested in technology. I was one of those children who were taking stuff apart and putting it back together. Southern did not have computer engineering so I chose the next best thing: computer science. One of the best decisions I ever made. Q. What is your favorite thing about your major or science? (include any research you’ve done) A. My favorite thing about computer science is the fact that it’s tech-y but it has business elements. Every business has a tech department. Plus, there are so many tech companies that the opportunities are so vast. For example, I was a spring 2015 NASA Aerospace Scholar in Stennis, Mississippi. It was a two-month, online internship where we had to build a rover and answer questions about NASA. If you completed everything, you got to tour the NASA building in Stennis. I was also a unit tester on a translator between two computer languages. What do you love most about science? A. What I love most about science is that there is something new to figure out everyday. It’s so open that you can create and invent new technology. There’s always room and space to grow and improve. Why do you think it is significant for African Americans to pursue degrees in STEM majors? A. If you look at major inventions in the history of the world or even the United States, a plethora were created by Black people. Think about the traffic light, toilet, and light bulb. I feel like there has been a rapid decline in people pursuing STEM degrees but there’s so much government money available for African
Americans to be able to study and learn so much while getting paid to do it. Just pursue a degree in STEM, I know it’s not everyone’s passion but it’s something you can grow to love, which is what happened with me. Q. What do you feel that you can contribute to the world through science or your major? A. I want to be able to change the way people view data. I want to change the way businesses view data, how they crunch their numbers, and how they make decisions based on what is happening in real time. I want people to understand data analyses like never before. I want to help businesses make real time decisions by crunching their numbers using data analysis. Q. What are your thoughts on the futurism of science and technology as of right now? A. I definitely like the direction science is going. We’re seeing a lot of the same old things, just revamped. But there’s also a lot of very new things. The way technology is shifting towards autonomous things like the self-driving cars is cool. It’s pretty neat that we went from horses and carriages to cars that drive themselves. Q. What are your goals and post-baccalaureate plans? A. After I graduate in May 2018, I’m trying to work something out with a specific company, so they can work with me as I complete graduate school at LSU. I want to pursue my Master of Science: Data Analytics degree, a one-year program. When I graduate again next May I’ll build my way in the industry and work as a system engineer or a data analyst. By the time I’m 35, I want to become a Chief Analytics Officer for a company After I retire, I’d consider being the Chancellor for Southern University at Shreveport so I can help cultivate the seeds of the next generation like my mentors did for me before.
EGO MAGAZINE 33
AKIL STRAWDER
MAJOR: BIOLOGY CLASSIFICATION: SENIOR HOMETOWN: JACKSON, MS AGE: 23
EGO MAGAZINE 34
Why did you choose your major? Q. I chose my major because I like science and one day I want to attend pharmacy school at either FAMU or Xavier University. Q. What is your favorite thing about your major or science? (include any research you’ve done) A. My favorite thing about science is the ability to engage in hands-on experiments. What do you love most about science? A. What I love most about science is you can discover something new, such as discovering a cure that can one day save the world. Why do you think it is significant for African Americans to pursue degrees in STEM majors? A. I think it is significant for African Americans to pursue degrees in STEM majors because it is a field that is predominantly white and one that has countless opportunities with tons of money up for grabs for African Americans.
Q. What do you feel that you can contribute to the world through science or your major? A. With my major, I can be a successful pharmacist. Q. What are your thoughts on the futurism of science and technology as of right now? A. As of right now, science and technology are constantly improving, and new innovations are found every day. Q. What are your goals and post-baccalaureate plans? A. My post-bachelorette plans are to attend pharmacy school at either Xavier University or Florida A&M University. For backup, I may just attend graduate school possibly in Houston, Texas.
EGO MAGAZINE 35
Why did you choose your major? Q. 1. I chose to major in mechanical engineering because I love to see how things work and move. My brother and I took apart our PlayStation 3 in 9th grade and put it back together; ever since then I’ve fallen in love with engineering. Q. What is your favorite thing about your major or science? (include any research you’ve done) A. My favorite thing about my major is that I get to solve problems the world faces, and I get to make this world safer and more efficient. What do you love most about science? A. I love how science continues to evolve and more technology is being used to make life more enjoyable. Why do you think it is significant for African Americans to pursue degrees in STEM majors? A. As the world continues to evolve, so does technology-rapidly. We need more minorities to oversee the technology of our future. It’s time our people understand that we can make more money using our brains than our bodies and that its much more out there than being an athlete and entertaining.
EGO MAGAZINE 36
Q. What do you feel that you can contribute to the world through science or your major? A. My goal is always making the world a better place. I plan to change the world. I want people in Flint, Michigan to have potable water again. I want people to be able to play football without fear of getting a concussion. I hope to contribute to the people to make life easier for them and more enjoyable. Life is precious, and everyone should be able to enjoy it. Q. What are your thoughts on the futurism of science and technology as of right now? A. I hope science and technology doesn’t get out of hand. I hope people don’t manipulate these fields and send the world on a path of chaos. That’s why getting a degree is important. Technology is only as smart as those who are operating and overseeing it. Q. What are your goals and post-baccalaureate plans? A. My post-baccalaureate plans are to attend grad school and get my MBA! Then I want to be the best engineer that has ever lived. Eventually I want to open my own engineering firm.
JAYLEN SCOTT
MAJOR: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATION: SENIOR HOMETOWN: BATON ROUGE, LA AGE: 22
EGO MAGAZINE 37
EGO MAGAZINE 38
PEOPLE MINDED THEIR OWN
DAMN BUSINESS
“We represent the culture, the future, the highest expression of individualism on a leveled plateau. Each person in this photo represents being themselves, and being responsible for portraying their own message through personal style .... personification of individuality but no “EGO,” there is no one person thinking they are above or beneath the other person .... just equality, respect, and selfness .... students evolving and adapting to the world around them.” DeJohn Richardson EGO Staff Writer/Photographer EGO MAGAZINE 39
Jamilah Stith EGO Editor-in-Chief **Make sure that you’ve watched Black Panther before you read this: SPOILER ALERT**
in a miniature Wakanda, disguised as a Historically Black College/University (HBCU). HBCUs are one
After walking out of the movie theater, I pushed
of the few places on Earth that Black people are
my glasses further up the bridge of my nose. Before
accepted with open arms, especially in the face of
they had the chance to slip back down, I blurted out
trauma. HBCUs are special because they allow Black
to my friends “I want to live in Wakanda.” Truthfully,
people to control and craft their own futures, along
they looked at me like I was crazy. Of course, I
with providing the tools to build it.
wanted to live in Wakanda. Everyone wants to live
Think about it. We are all T’Challa, trying to find
somewhere they will be celebrated and loved for who
out what kind of king/queen we want to be. Our
they are naturally. But as we learned in the movie,
professors are like the ancestral plane, we go to
Black people are consistently pushed out of spaces
them for advice and wisdom. SGA is the council of
like Wakanda. Even if our intentions are to help
leaders of different clans, making decisions for the
our fellow brothers and sisters with our newfound
betterment of the communities it serves. Vibranium
knowledge, we are rejected because we hold the
is our melanin and intellect. Nakia’s spirit runs
trauma of those centuries of abuse. To our African
through our fraternities and sororities as they serve
cousins we are damaged, volatile goods and cannot
the greater Black community. With campuses being
be trusted. To us, we are shining phoenixes, finally
modernized, people like Shuri are shining brightly.
reborn from the dust of Plymouth Rock’s landing.
The only difference between Marvel’s Wakanda and
This begs the question: why not create Wakanda
HBCUs is that we accept people like Killmonger
for ourselves? After careful research, I found that
with open arms. We help them shed the traumas of
every time we build flourishing business worlds like
imperialism and give them the tools to help their
Black Wall Street and religious havens like the 16th
specific community. Our purple herb is our diploma
street Baptist Church, we are met with hatred and
because once we have that, we can apply everything
terrorism. Naturally, that would curb encouragement
we’ve learned. And although we might disagree
to build our own Wakanda.
with other, HBCU clans like the Jabari tribe, history
However, once I reached the hump that separates the campus from the rest of the world, I realized that
reminds us that we have always had each other’s backs in times of crisis.
Wakanda is real. In essence, Wakanda is just a utopic
Just like Wakanda, the race for improvement
idea of what Black spaces would look like without the
never ends. However, do not be discouraged. With
interruption of European imperialism (i.e. if we were
unity and creativity pushing us forward, Wakanda is
in charge of creating our own futures). I already live
not as far as it seems.
EGO MAGAZINE 40
EGO MAGAZINE 41
. . . H . T ... . . .
r ito Ed n o o t lt Pho mi Ha riter/ n y fW cel f Ro Sta O G E
.
. . . ..
O E R U T U ........... . . . F . . . E ..
E S N . E R P T S A .. P . ..
..
What
.. ..
were going to take over the future? By take over the
..
if I told you that Black people
..
future, I don’t mean world denomination or wipe out other races.
..
Just imagine that in the future we are the majority instead of the minority, and more dominate in all aspects. As a matter of fact, we would actually be more
...
cohesive with other races and have a better understanding of each other’s cultures and manage to coexist together better than we do now. Except with white people. Actually I take realized that they can never duplicate the magic we create and make it look as good. So by then, they
...
that back, by this time they will have learned their lesson to stop mooching off our culture once they
....
will have FINALLY learned to stayed in their own lane and leave us unbothered and continue to mind their Caucasian business. Science and technology will definitely be at its peak. We have seen many accomplishments by young black broadcasted. I’m not saying that we’ll have flying cars or anything like that, but it’s a possibility. Technology would
be infused into our everyday life, even in our clothing. Like if we try on something and it doesn’t fit right, there would be some kind of way the seams could detect what needs to be taken in or let out and conform to our bodies basically,
............
individuals as far as science and technology and that momentum will continue to grow and become more
and the material would be a protective material just incase something happens. Our household appliances that we use would be more advanced, (not to the point where they would have a mind of their own and revolt because we not with that) more so like they would just be automatic and know that we have to use them and what settings we need them
to be on. This brings us to our community as a whole. We wouldn’t be completely separate and isolated like Wakanda from Black Panther, but we would definitely be own our way to that. We would have enough space to where we can
.. . . . .
flourish and be able to have all these things, but one from the outside would be able to see a distinct difference in surroundings as if they were walking to into a new world. Our buildings would be more advanced and eccentric in design, our food supplies would be more fresh and unprocessed, our natural resources would be more efficient and just everything would be better.
.
As far as Hollywood and the industry itself, it would be more improved than it is now. and overall better. We would have more representation across all boards when it
Makeup, clothing, jewelry, and other accessories
.
EGO MAGAZINE 42
. . .
would incorporate bright and
. . .
of everything and still be the driving force like how we are today.
.
comes to acting, award shows, the whole nine. We would be the forefront
. . . .
Everything that we have as a part of our culture now would still exist, just more advanced
O.F. . .B . . .L AC .....
K FO
..
.
... T . F U T . . . LK ... U R E .... .. beautiful colors that would accentuate our features and skin tone. For example, the color gold would be a very popular because golds and yellows look good on our skin. Our hair would be just as beautiful as it is today and there would
..
..
.
be no pass judgement on whether you choose to wear weave or go natural. Women especially would be more free with their hair choices and not be afraid to rock bright
pastel colors.
..
... ...
. . .
. . .
. ..
Can you see that? You can? Great now let’s bring it back to the present. For as long as we can remember, African-Americans have been the backbone and driving force for
just about everything you can think of. From us building this country to having heavy influences in music,
fashion trends, and culture in general. But instead of us being at the forefront, we are pushed to the and most, if not all, our ideas are stolen by white people and they get the credit for things that we already had. A prime
example is when Kylie Jenner exploited designs by designer Titza Balemlay and tried to pass them off as hers for her own gain. Or when the trend of “boxer braids” were so called started by Kim Kardashian, but to us they were just regular french braids that we have been wearing since we were children. Like always, they benefit from it and what do we get? Exactly. As stated on the hit TV show Scandal, “we have to be twice as good as them t o get HALF of what they have”. This is something that has been universally instilled in us as young children. We as young people of color have to keep
... . . . ..
........
..
....
pushing through because we have no room to stop and simply give in. Especially with a system that we know is not for us. And that perseverance is what has me optimistic about the future for us. We know how to be innovative and make something from nothing without even trying. Because of our innovativeness and how strong we are, we will become the forefront and eventually have the representation that we need. We are slowly but surely in Hollywood and of course with the recent release of Black Panther. We are slowly but surely starting to reassert our influence everywhere and getting the credit we deserved. And to be quite honest dry, and very, very unseasoned, just like Susan’s baked chicken.
.
. . .
. . .
.
without our influence and of course influences from other cultures, everything would be bland,
. . .
...
starting to get more representation when it comes the makeup industry, fashion industry and especially
EGO MAGAZINE 43
EGO MAGAZINE 44
EGO MAGAZINE 45
Laniya Spencer EGO Staff Writer
I
n 1712, British slave owner, Willie Lynch
and related positive characteristics with the white
stood on the bank of the James River and
doll. They rejected and associated the negative
delivered a speech that would affect an entire race for
characteristics with the darker dolls. Although this
centuries. Standing in front of hundreds of Southern
was 78 years ago, modern studies show the results
slave owners, he taught and dissected his methods to
haven’t changed much.
control slaves. Since the African American race varies
A recent doll test was conducted by a Youtube group
in skin tones and hair textures, they outlined these
called FanPage, where instead of American kids, the
specific characteristics to pin slaves against each
subjects were Italian. Even then, the results were
other. For example, slaves whose features were closer
still the same from the tests done in the 1940’s. After
to Anglo-Saxon beauty standards tended to have better
associating the positive attributes with the white
living areas, clothing, and were trusted more than other
doll and the negative ones with the darker one, they
slaves. As a result of these differences, fear, distrust, and
were then asked which doll looked similar to them.
envy spread among the slaves. Another mechanism
This shows that these stereotypes based upon skin
used to divide slaves was to make them psychologically
color has a negative affect on how lighter skin kids
weak and dependent upon their masters. In this case,
feel about darker skin and how the dark skin kids
the slaves felt as if their owners were their only means
feel about themselves. Prejudice, discrimination, and
of survival. Betrayal and rebelliousness was not an
segregation creates a feeling of inferiority among
option. If implemented rigorously for one year, Lynch
African American children and damages their self
guaranteed these methods would last thousands of
esteem. Ultimately, this test shows the extent to
years. December 18, 1865, marked the ratification of
which their color, their sense of their race, and status
the 13th Amendment, which put an end to slavery, but
influences their judgement about themselves. These
unfortunately not colorism.
boys and girls then grow to be brainwashed men and
Every day children are born into a world that will determine their beauty and worthiness by their skin
women, who pass this syndrome down to their own kids. In a sense, colorism has become hereditary.
color. Black girls and boys are left self conscious and
148 years after the abolishment of slavery, the minds
full of internalized hatred because they’re constantly
of a majority of African Americans are still being
reminded of how society believes their dark skin is
corrupted by the teachings of Willie Lynch. Now in 2018,
unattractive, or how the next individual with lighter
these emotions have crossed over to the 21st century,
skin will have it way easier in life. For example, the doll
where Black people categorize themselves into “team
test was created in the 1940s to study the development
dark skin” and “team light skin.” These arbitrary
of the sense of self esteem in children based on
classifications come attached with stereotypes that
race, specifically African Americans children. The
particular groups are full of themselves or envious
experiment consisted of four identical dolls, except
and jealous of the other group. In some cases, there are
they differed in skin color. The children, ages three
people who believe they are more attractive because
to seven, were then asked to assign characteristics
their skin is lighter, as well as people who believe that
to a certain doll. Majority of the children preferred
they are unattractive because their skin is darker.
EGO MAGAZINE 46
Not only African Americans, but the entire world has fed into this pathological stereotype. This belief
a younger age, the mind is undergoing development, which is the perfect time for this step to be executed.
only exists to explain and justify inequalities such
Another method of Lynch’s was to make the slaves
as, “The darker your skin, the more you’re watched
weak and dependent upon their masters. African
while in a store, the more you have to fear the police,
Americans should become more reliant on our race
the more you’re associated and reduced to low income
instead of on the ones who put us in this predicament in
neighborhoods, schools, and jobs, and the more
the first place. One thing that has faded into our history
difficulties you’ll face in life.”
is the flourishing African American neighborhoods
In Lynch’s methods, he included dividing the
we once possessed. Black owned dentist and doctor’s
African American race by skin color which would turn
offices and stores should be brought back to our
different groups against each other. Unfortunately,
neighborhoods. The skills we attain professionally
Willie Lynch’s premonition was correct. However,
should be used to bring prosperity within our race. This
there’s hope! Just like it was attained, this curse can
wealth could be used to fund better quality housing
be broken. In efforts to regain power, this brainwashing
and schools for our children and future generations.
mechanism can, in turn, be used to promote a more
Orange Mound, a once prosperous African American
positive visual of African Americans starting within
neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee, consisted of
our race. There are several necessary steps to break
only Black owned businesses. Not only did this bring
the cycle. First, colorism must be acknowledged. So
in revenue to fund things in the community such
many people aren’t aware of it and the mentality is
as better schools, housing and activities; but it also
often unconsciously passed down to their children.
served as motivation for the children to aspire to be
People who are aware of this system should shine light
entrepreneurs and give back to where they came
on the subject, whether it’s speaking publicly in front
from. Once integration took place, the businesses
of hundreds or in the comfort of your own homes with
migrated to predominantly white areas of Memphis,
family. “Light skinned privilege” can be used to call
leaving their once blooming and powerful community
attention to colorism and the difference in experiences
to deteriorate and become impoverished. Now when
between dark skin and light skin people. That privilege
people ride through Orange Mound, no one would ever
can also be used to open doors, like educational and
suspect its history.
professional opportunities, for darker skinned Black people, if the environment is discriminatory.
Ultimately, the fate of the African American race lies in the hands of the people. Will African Americans
Another way to help reverse this method includes
take back their conscious minds and unite despite
parents embedding self-love and confidence in their
differences in complexion or will they continue to let
children by complimenting them regularly. Despite the
the ongoing cycle of colorism continue?
world already having a perception of a person’s skin color, the parent’s encouragement has the possibility to overrule all negativity aimed towards the child. At
EGO MAGAZINE 47
A BLACK CELEBRATION Harold Millican
Contributing Writer
I’ve never been a fan of comic books.
This is significant because the 1960s
When it is truly black, I call it black-
No one pulled me on the side saying,
were a challenging time for African-
adjacent. Black-adjacent is a word I
“Hey, check this out!” In fact, I knew
Americans. Remember, this comic
use to describe entertainers that may
a struggling comic book seller who
appeared shortly before Martin Luther
be black or be black-influenced, but
admired me so profusely, he wanted to
King, Jr’s death, and before the Black
their entertainment is manufactured
make me believe in comic animation.
Power Movement gained steam in the
to reflect a white-centered idea of
To appease him, I read two to three
1970s.
African-American
comic strips and that’s where my
culture.
New
So, the subtext behind the film is for
Orleans born DJ Khaled, Canadian
We knew each
a conversation about black identity.
born Aubrey Graham, and Hawaiian
other for several years and I still did
The film has plenty of metaphors that
born Bruno Mars are black adjacent.
not get what he saw in the comics. That
make it a very complex image.
It seems that there’s a subtle colorism
fascination ended.
said, Marvel Studios makes films for
We’ve got an all-black cast including
afoot. When you’re a darker skinned
fans of the old comics like Superman,
Michael B. Jordan, Chadwick Boseman,
black person, the odds are up that
Spiderman, etc. To their credit, they
Angela Bassett, and Forest Whitaker.
you become a caricature. Now, we
do not only make films for people
Only two led rolls were played by white
did break-ground with “This is Us.”
reading comics. They make movies
men in the entire film. Only in Tyler
Thanks, Sterling K. Brown.
to sell tickets. They are a corporation.
Perry movies or on BET, does such a
So, I’m writing about Black Panther
high frequency of blackness exist.
And we’ve got Viola Davis, Will Smith and Octavia Spencer.
But people of
without having read the comic. Now,
If we examine American television,
color are typecast predictably as drug
the movie is not about the Black
it’s very white or black-adjacent. It’s
dealers, heartless assassins, crooked
Panther Party, but about an old comic
white in terms of the number of white
cops, and inarticulate dummies.
book by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The
and white-looking men that are in
Black Panther first appeared in 1966.
our media. Have you really looked?
EGO MAGAZINE 48
Image
wise,
entertainers
pass.
black I
adjacent
loved
Justin
Timberlake for many years and then I
you’re
see
made me reminisce about the former
realized that he’s black-adjacent. He’s
fictional characters that are black.
African dynasties of Mali, Ghana,
not a bad guy, but he’s not excellent
A positive black character within a
and Songhay. In this era, blacks were
either. We aren’t supposed to note this
story increases the self-esteem of
powerful, intelligent, and united. The
issue because it’s a subliminal idea.
the entire black diaspora. He or she
movie reminded me so much of how
We’re just supposed to appreciate that
needs to be smart, thoughtful, kind,
resilient we can be together.
a white man loves our culture so much
capable, strong, and mighty. Surely,
We have a right to be frustrated if
that he’s willing to establish a working
that representation should not be a
America believes that black culture
relationship with black producers
threat. But if people are programming
is only good when the right kind of
to do it. But this is the reason the
blacks to place a specific role and a
person represents it. Black Panther
tattooed, blonde, mixed-race artist is
characterization less valuable than
was not just a movie. The story
now a staple of blackness. So, excuse
the new role presented, someone’s
illustrates
us if we are terribly emotional about
going to be upset. Viewing the movie
black power when it falls into selfish
the beautifully dark characters in
reminded me how bad “colorism”
hands. Erik Killmonger is a symbol of
Black Panther. We do not see this
affects
media.
what occurs when rage is the prime
enough in our lives. Sure, we’ve got
American media really likes lighter-
motivation for leadership. We also
Samuel L. Jackson and Eddie Murphy.
toned blacks. Not that this is the worst
see that T’Chala eventually needs
But young black actors are going to be
thing, but it forces uninformed blacks
the support of his sister, mother, and
the inspiration for young black men,
to believe that we aren’t as complex as
neighboring brother to smite Erik.
so let us have this, please.
we truly are. It forces us to settle for
We see what happens when a race
The release of the Black
a distorted identity, rather than the
war devastates a community. We
Panther film is important for
one that is most authentic. If we’re
see a son coming to terms with the
two reasons: The
truly honest, heroes that are people of
successes and sins of his father’s
color are rarely portrayed. But
reign. We also what happens when
a
it’s difficult to see that when
two strong leaders fall to cooperate
character
your group has always had the
and reach resolution. We see how
privilege of being number one.
the images and wars of the past
being, kids need to
see
representing them.
If
first
black,
you
need
African-American
to
the
consequences
of
Black Panther is important for
shape the future. And all this at time
black men and women because it
when people still resist the inherent
teaches us to remember that we
complexity of black America. After
were not always enslaved, that
Black Panther ended, I remember who
there was a period in our history
I was, and celebrate where I’ve come
when we were free and un-
from, because if we don’t celebrate
burdened. Although Wakanda
ourselves authentically, someone else
is a fictional place
might tell our stories the wrong way.
in East Africa, it EGO MAGAZINE 49
Shomari Moore/EGO Staff Photographer
EGO MAGAZINE 50
“Going back in time...or reflecting what’s to come in reference to art, culture, fashion, scientific inventions, ancestral exploration... through photos...a realism to the culture of freedom, liberate yourself!!! ....through Afro-Centric expression!” #weareWakanda DeJohn Richardson/EGO Staff Writer
EGO MAGAZINE 51
Shomari Moore/EGO Staff Photographer
EGO MAGAZINE 52
“They were on their way...on the way to a particular event of some sorts, not knowing what to expect, however they were dressed and ready for combat... dashiki’s, boots, vintage sneakers, and suits. The journey was foreseen by some, yet determined by the new-age kids who were confused and needed to be enlightened on exactly what “IT” was. Turns out it was a cosmic exploratory journey of peace, power, and prestige of African ancestral heritage! Take back your power!!! #WakandaForever DeJohn Richardson/EGO Staff Writer
EGO MAGAZINE 53
Ten years from now I see Southern University flourishing as never before, if we continue to keep the priorities of the students first. I believe it is imperative to continue to launch initiatives to enhance our student life. In doing so, we will continue to attract the best and brightest students to our campus. Our campus has made several much-needed improvements in the last year. I am confident that our administration will continue to move the university forward. If I could go back and change anything in my college career , I would definitely apply for more scholarships. As students, we definitely dislike the application process because of time consumption. I would advise any incoming freshman to take advantage of scholarship opportunities and to avoid student loans if they could. It is definitely worth applying for and will benefit you in the long run. Our culture here at Southern University is remarkable. There is no experience like a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) experience. Here I believe we have created an environment in which not only students can explore themselves, but here we can also be ourselves no matter where you are from. I stand firm with the saying “You Are Who You Are, So Embrace It” and We Are Southern, that’s our culture! - Xavier D. Diamond Student Government Association Vice President 17-18 Senior ~ Education Major
EGO MAGAZINE 54
Where do you see Southern University ten years from now? If you can go back and change anything in your college career what will it be? How do you feel about our culture on campus at this very moment ? In ten years I see Southern University continuing and improving on its current mission. I think the university will be providing opportunities for an even more diverse student population than we see today. I also see the university accomplishing its goal of providing a high-quality global educational experience, which will be key to graduating students capable of successfully competing with other students worldwide. In the future we will still be the Southern University you have always known and loved, however, we will be better and stronger. I don’t think I would change anything. My previous experiences good or bad have led me to where I am today. I am thankful, appreciate and understand everything I’ve been through has prepared me to handle and accept whatever is to come now or in the future. I think the culture on campus is different now. Students, as well as faculty, don’t interact as much in person with each other anymore. I feel we all miss out on opportunities to learn and enjoy new experiences as a result. However, we do interact with social media and that seems to lead to most of us seeing, hearing and learning about different cultures and backgrounds. Also, the campus is not as diverse as it was in the past. Maybe that is due to the drop in enrollment over the years. Nonetheless, there are still wonderful opportunities for students to interact with each other and the culture here on campus allows this to happen. Darrell Roberson Assistant Professor/Media Engineer Mass Communication I envision Southern University doing remarkably well ten years from now. I believe the university has established a solid ground of stability and is on pace to becoming a very prestigious university not only among HBCUs but top PWIs as well. The energy is definitely there, Southern University is on stride to accomplishing great things. #GOJAGS - Ivyion Variet Criminal Justice Junior / Lafayette, LA
New year! New Leagues! BREC Athletics is now registering teams for our spring leagues, and there’s never been a better time to play BREC!
BREC.ORG/ATHLETICS
EGO MAGAZINE 55
they tried to bury us, but they didn’t know we were seeds
- Mexican Proverb